MIDLAND, Texas — The Attic Foster Network and One Accord for Kids, two local nonprofits dedicated to making a difference in foster care, are now joining forces.
Both organizations made the announcement on Wednesday and many board members were excited about what this means for the future of foster care in West Texas.
Jill Sparks was among those board members optimistic about the merger.
"The concept of giving your life away for the rescue of another is what I’ve seen both of these organizations do," Jill Sparks said. "They equip and encourage people working in this space, and I think they’ll do that even better together."
Although they’ve operated separately, this merger feels like it was meant to happen.
Matt Waller is a founding board member for both organizations and he said this merge was truly a "natural evolution."
"Our purposes and our missions have been aligned from the very beginning," Waller said. "In the back of our minds, we've always been close partners. We've always been close advocates for each other and really in stride and in step with each other."
The Attic has built its reputation by providing essentials like clothes, beds, backpacks and car seats to children and families. One Accord focuses on advocacy and community outreach. Now, with this merger, no need will go unmet.
“This merger gives The Attic an opportunity to stay connected to the community’s needs and provide resources exactly when they’re needed," said Shauna Todd, the director of operations for One Accord for Kids. "It gives us an ear to the ground to be able to understand what’s happening and respond accordingly.”
With expanded resources comes greater reach, and foster children across the Permian Basin will benefit from this decision.
Senator Kevin Sparks sees the merger as an example of collaboration that’s truly making a difference.
“This is an example of different organizations that have independently addressed various community needs," Kevin Sparks said. "By merging, they’ve created synergy—strengthening local services, which is incredibly important.”
The combined efforts of The Attic and One Accord are expected to multiply their impact.
"Our efforts at One Accord are deeper and better because of The Attic’s influence and incredible staff," Waller said. "The Attic’s mission will now have an even greater impact through our combined efforts. We really see this as synergy coming together.”
Senator Sparks echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community-based care.
“We have a passion for our kids—not that we don’t care about children from across the state—but our dedication to local kids and communities runs deep," Senator Sparks said. "We’re highly motivated to ensure their needs are met.”
Thanks to these like-minded organizations, more foster children in West Texas are one step closer to finding loving, local families.
If interested in fostering or curious about the adoption process, visit www.oneaccordtx.org or theatticfn.org for more information.
If you're looking for a way to give back, these non-profits are always welcoming volunteers or donations.